Summer is arriving fast and it’s time to look ahead and think of the type of program in which your child should enroll.
There are a few things to keep in mind when finding the right program for your child. Vancouver offers a large variety summer programs. To help narrow down your choices, decide whether or not your child would benefit from more of a structured learning camp or a camp that offers more activities.
Education Camps
When choosing an educational camp, find out what programs will be offered and think about whether or not these programs actually interest your child. Some of the educational-based camps will run half or full days. The camps that run all day may only offer a few hours of class work and the rest of time the children will be doing activities. If you want more structure and a higher quality of learning look into the shorter camps. They will offer you longer class hours with more structure. When choosing an educational camp, another key question to ask is how many students will be in each class. It is important to have smaller amounts of students with the learning camps. This way your child will have more one-on-one time with their teacher.
Activity Camps
When picking a camp that is activity-based, make sure to keep your child’s interests in mind. A camp may offer lots of different things. However, if your child does not seem interested or is even afraid of any of the activities, this may affect his or her self-esteem. Moreover, make sure the camp offers some downtime each day for the children. This is important to make sure the children are not getting over exhausted. Something else to consider is the age range and how many children will be of a similar age to your child. It is important that children interact with peers their own age. This helps with confidence and feeling accepted, especially if this new program for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: After a few days if my child does not like the camp, can I cancel?
A: Yes. Most camps will allow you to cancel your spot. However, if you put a deposit down, it will most likely be lost. Otherwise most camps will make you pay a portion or more of the fees.
Q: If my child attends a private school camp does that mean they have a higher chance of getting into that school?
A: No. Even though you enrolled into a camp that is being run at a private school, it has no or very little correlation to whether or not your child will get in if your family applies. In most cases, the camp is either being run by a different organization or the school brings in different teachers to run the program. Furthermore, many private school camps serve simply as sources of additional revenue.
Q: Do I have to supply my child with additional money for camp activities?
A: Sometimes. Most camps will ask you to pay for certain activities. For example, admission for swimming, bowling, or movies would not be included. They may ask you to bring some money for purchasing snacks for your child.
Q: If my child is attending a full day educational camp, will he or she get breaks?
A: Yes. All children will get a lunch break and a snack break for an 8-hour day. Some of the all-day educational camps will have breaks for children to play outside. If it is a half-day program the children will get a snack break depending on program times.
Q: Can I register my child for more than one camp?
A: Yes. You can register for multiple camp programs with different organizations. If you do enroll in multiple camps, make sure you are aware of the times and days for the camps. Some camps will not let you enter if you are late, especially if they will be on a field trip.
Q: Is it too early to register for camps now?
A: No. Most summer camps are already taking in registration and will be filling up fast, make sure you don’t wait too long to decide in which camp to enroll. If you are unsure of a camp ask if they have a cancelation policy. If you are able to cancel, then you should simply register now so you will not be stuck later.